The Vice Presidency of the United States is a strange position. Whoever is elected has very limited constitutional authority. They may preside over the Senate, and, in the event of a tie vote in the Senate could cast a deciding vote. Typically, they work for the president in representing the administration to Congress- and to foreign nations. They may be asked to take charge of various programs and projects of the presidential administration. They are also involved in cabinet meetings- and, in effect could be considered the first of the cabinet members to be chosen by a president.
However, the critical element of the job description is that they be able to step in and take over as president in the event that the president ever becomes unable to carry out the duties of their office.
Thus, a Vice Presidential candidate should be as qualified as a Presidential candidate to lead the country.
This year- of the two major parties, Democrat Tim Kaine, Senator and former governor from Virginia is running as Hillary Clinton's choice for vice president. Republican Mike Pence, the current governor of Indiana is running as Donald Trumps' choice for vice-president. These two will face off Tuesday evening, October 4th at the one and only Vice Presidential debate.
Tune in and watch or listen if you can. Or- follow up after the debate with what you read in the papers or find on the web.
What questions do you hope these candidates will answer? Who do you think won the debate and why? What qualities do you look for in a Vice President? Which of these two candidates seemed most "presidential"?- most qualified and ready to become president if need be?
This discussion will run until Sunday, October 9th.
2016 Vice Presidential Candidates
The Vice Presidency of the United States is a strange position. Whoever is elected has very limited constitutional authority. They may preside over the Senate, and, in the event of a tie vote in the Senate could cast a deciding vote. Typically, they work for the president in representing the administration to Congress- and to foreign nations. They may be asked to take charge of various programs and projects of the presidential administration. They are also involved in cabinet meetings- and, in effect could be considered the first of the cabinet members to be chosen by a president.
However, the critical element of the job description is that they be able to step in and take over as president in the event that the president ever becomes unable to carry out the duties of their office.
Thus, a Vice Presidential candidate should be as qualified as a Presidential candidate to lead the country.
This year- of the two major parties, Democrat Tim Kaine, Senator and former governor from Virginia is running as Hillary Clinton's choice for vice president. Republican Mike Pence, the current governor of Indiana is running as Donald Trumps' choice for vice-president. These two will face off Tuesday evening, October 4th at the one and only Vice Presidential debate.
Tune in and watch or listen if you can. Or- follow up after the debate with what you read in the papers or find on the web.
What questions do you hope these candidates will answer? Who do you think won the debate and why? What qualities do you look for in a Vice President? Which of these two candidates seemed most "presidential"?- most qualified and ready to become president if need be?
This discussion will run until Sunday, October 9th.